Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Policy Memo, a bi-annual alumni newsletter from the McCourt School of Public Policy (formerly the Georgetown Public Policy Institute), a joint venture of the McCourt School staff and Alumni Board.

You are receiving this newsletter at the email address listed in the Career and Alumni Database. Please take a moment to update your information to ensure you keep getting these and other emails from the McCourt School. Also, if you've been using the Georgetown University email forwarding system since you graduated, don't forget to migrate that address before December 15 (see details here)! 

Introducing the McCourt School: By now you have heard the exciting news about our transformation into the McCourt School of Public Policy. Learn more about the future of the McCourt School of Public Policy here. 

LEAD Conference: In September, we hosted our second annual LEAD (Leadership, Evidence, Analysis and Debate) Conference. The conference, "Achieving Shared Growth for the U.S. in a Global Economy," was highlighted by a keynote presentation from Princeton economist Alan Blinder.

Annual Networking Night: In October, the Alumni Board and MSPP hosted the 7th Annual Alumni-Student Networking Night at Old North. We had more than 130 participants, including more than 50 alums! 

Sign Up for Hoya Gateway: In October, the Alumni Board and Georgetown University launched a new initiative, inviting MSPP alumni and students to participate in one-on-one career conversations via Hoya Gateway. Get more information or sign up here to share your industry expertise with current students! The online platform will enable students with similar interests to connect with you for an informational interview, mock interview, or resume review. Hoya Gateway has launched in DC, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, meaning that many of you living outside the Beltway can still participate. 

New Executive Education: The McCourt School has launched a new Executive Education program offering customized training.  Courses cover material over a few hours, days, or weeks in a wide variety of topics, including leadership and management, public policy writing, international and domestic public policy issue areas, and others. Contact Erika Falk, Executive Director of Executive Education, to learn more. 

December 3 - Health Reform Event: The McCourt School will build upon its partnership with the law and lobbying firm, Arent Fox, with a policy discussion on healthcare reform on December 3, 2013. The event, The Affordable Care Act: Challenges and Opportunities, will take place at the Arent Fox offices. Be on the lookout for your invitation.

December 6 - Holiday Party: The annual holiday party will be held on campus on December 6, 2013- your invitation will arrive shortly!

MSPP Career and Alumni Database: Keep your contact information up-to-date and check out job announcements at the MSPP Career and Alumni Database.  Forgot your username or password? Email or call 202-687-5542 for help. 

Alumni Career Panels & Job Postings: Contact Elizabeth Robbins, Assistant Director of Employer Relations, about participating in a GPPSA Alumni Career Panel or posting opportunities for current students or alumni!  So far, there have been two alumni panels this year:  Energy and Environmental Policy (October 28) and Alumni on Capitol Hill (November 13). GPPSA is planning to schedule more panels for the spring. 

Resume Tip: MSPP vs. GPPI. With the transition to the McCourt School of Public Policy, many alumni have asked about the best way to update their resume and professional presence online. According to the experts, there is no standard practice and you are welcome to change all GPPI references to any of the following, based on personal preference:

• McCourt School of Public Policy,
• McCourt School of Public Policy (formally known as Georgetown Public Policy Institute),
• McCourt School of Public Policy/Georgetown Public Policy Institute, or
• Georgetown Public Policy Institute (now known as the McCourt School of Public Policy).

MSPP Alumni Website: Visit the alumni section of the McCourt School website for resources and answers to frequently asked questions.  

LinkedIn: Join over 1,200 students and alumni on the MSPP LinkedIn Group.

Facebook: Visit and "like" the McCourt School on Facebook.

Twitter:  Follow @GUPublicPolicy on Twitter.